Nigerian Artiste, OVIEL, Unveils Deep Spiritual Meaning Behind New Name

In a bold and transformative move, fast-rising Nigerian artiste formerly known as Rae’Em and later Ray’Em recently officially rebranded as OVIEL, marking a major shift in his musical journey. A change which he says reflects his personal, spiritual, and creative evolution. Speaking exclusively on the rebrand, OVIEL revealed that the change goes beyond just a […]

In a bold and transformative move, fast-rising Nigerian artiste formerly known as Rae’Em and later Ray’Em recently officially rebranded as OVIEL, marking a major shift in his musical journey. A change which he says reflects his personal, spiritual, and creative evolution.

Speaking exclusively on the rebrand, OVIEL revealed that the change goes beyond just a name—it carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. “The rebrand wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about alignment,” he said. “‘OVIE’ means ‘king’ in my native language, while ‘EL’ honors my father, Elohor, and also connects to the Hebrew word for God. God is King, and He’s also my Father. Spiritually, personally, and creatively, it just fits where I am now.”

The artiste described OVIEL as his “final form”, a sharp contrast to his earlier identities—Rae’Em and Ray’Em—which represented his experimental phase in music. “OVIEL carries heritage, spirituality, and identity all in one word,” he explained. “It strikes a beautiful balance—rooted for people from my background, yet ethereal and mysterious to international fans.”

OVIEL’s earlier works, including the club banger “Killer (Mama Roll)” and the confident anthem “Jason”, laid the foundation for his current sound. He also experimented with an alter ego, Reezy, showcasing a raw and unfiltered side of his artistry. “All of that energy, insight, and experimentation lives on in OVIEL,” he said. “Just with more purpose and polish now.”

The artiste has no plans to abandon his past hits. His recent campaign for “Sabalibella” proved that old songs can find new life, and he hinted at a possible revival for “Jason” with future promotions. “No song is ever too old to introduce to new audiences,” OVIEL affirmed.

To longtime supporters of Rae’Em and Ray’Em, OVIEL had a reassuring message: “You’ve seen the growth firsthand. OVIEL is still me—just more distilled, more focused, more true. I hope you see this as an evolution, not a departure.”

Looking ahead, the artiste has big ambitions. “I want to create music that lives beyond a moment—timeless, visual, and emotionally resonant,” he declared. “I want the name OVIEL to stand for something bigger than just me.”